Colin W.
Verified Buyer
An Honest Opinion
I've had these a while now in temps ranging from the lower teens to mid fifties. I've got well over 80 hours in them so far with tasks ranging from farm and sled dog chores to scouting and hunting, mostly out of a saddle. There are some things I like and some things I'm not crazy about. I started with the Cover option but now use Timber for hunting and hunting related activities. I ended up with Timber because Cover seemed to be holding on to some water in the outer layer of fabric after swamp romping on the way into a set. As temps were in the 20s with wind, the uppers somewhat "froze," turning the boots into an ice coffin. Not ideal for saddle hunting in the cold. I must mention that at no point were the boots wet on the insides, just chilly. Reached out to customer service (CS) to mention the issue and see if it was common or what. They explained that it's just kind of the nature of the material, likening it to lace up boot with Gore-Tex. While they'll remain dry on the insides, the outer layer may hold some water. CS recommended the Back 40s as a warmer option for my lifestyle in northern Minnesota. I ended up with another Ventlites, wanting to give them another shot. Because the majority of my hunting (and life) is on the move, they seem fairly well suited for me. Comparing color options- The Timber color way feels slightly different in the upper, not quite as stiff? Maybe I'm crazy. I asked CS if they were built on the same last, because I've experienced other boots that varied in size depending on the color way. I was informed that the print was added after the boots rolled out and they are made on the same last. I'm uncertain if this is the case or not since there are different color schemes on the soles. I found Timber to be slightly shorter than Cover in the boot bottom. The Timber felt less sloppy than Cover as well. The heel padding seems like it grabs a little better. Both boots packed out fairly fast, disappointingly, and have a bit more slop than when received. Hoping the next iteration has padding that'll hold up better. So far, Timber seem to be shedding water better than Cover did, not sure if there was a design update or what. That being said, I haven't worn them through the swampy stuff now that the gun season has started. Sizing- If you're between sizes, I'd highly recommend sizing down. They'll feel tight at first, but I promise they'll loosen up. The toe box is generous on these, easily allowing for a toe warmer. Build craft is top notch overall, but as should be expected for the price. The vibram feels beefy, grippy, and sticky. The soles are plenty stiff for hours in a saddle. I am not overly concerned about the sole peeling away from the upper. The solid colored boots do a good job identifying the polyurethane like material wrapping around the uppers. While I expect these to eventually start cracking, I don't think they'll have an impact on the waterproofness, since there isn't a defined seam between the boot bottom and upper. I really have one main grip with the Ventlites. . They are TALL. Like up to my knees tall. Like can't wear knee pads with them unless they're rolled down tall. While this is a personal problem, if you're on the shorter side, it's something to be aware of. As others have mentioned, a gusseted option would be good nice for folks with higher volume calves. I personally have no issues getting my late season clothes tucked into the boots. Here's my honest opinion. . As an on the move boot, I think they're great. In colder areas they'd work for trapping, running (sled) dogs, still hunting, or other high output activities. If you hunt in warmer climates (like south of the Mason Dixon) I think they'd be an excellent option. I imagine that in warm climates, they'll breath extremely well and not get too "swampy. . " If you plan on mostly stationary hunting in cold temps, ice fishing, or standing around in icey water, I don't know that these are the best option. Because they breathe so well, they lack a little bit in overall warmth. As I mentioned, with the high ceiling in the toe box, warmers can the thrown in with ease, but again, not the warmest stationary boot, especially if they've been through water. The boots hike well, though they don't feel particularly light by any stretch. They are very expensive, so I feel like folks should know what they do and don't do well.
Height: 5'3'' - 5'5'' · Weight: 131 lbs - 160lbs
Fit: True to size
Nov 18, 2025